The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to boost legal aid funding and expand diversion program eligibility. HB24-1286, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Mandy Lindsay, would increase access to affordable legal aid. SB24-006, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English, would increase eligibility to diversion programs for people with an intellectual or developmental disability or a mental health or behavioral health issue. < Back March 5, 2024 Judiciary Committee Passes Bills to Boost Legal Aid Funding, Expand Diversion Program Eligibility DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to boost legal aid funding and expand diversion program eligibility. HB24-1286, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Mandy Lindsay, would increase access to affordable legal aid. SB24-006, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English, would increase eligibility to diversion programs for people with an intellectual or developmental disability or a mental health or behavioral health issue. “As a family law attorney who does pro bono work, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for hardworking Coloradans to access affordable legal representation,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1286. “Economic status should never dictate justice. By creating the Equal Justice Fund Authority, we can ensure that hardworking Coloradans have equitable access to the legal resources they need to get the outcomes they deserve.” “Lack of access to resources while navigating the legal system can have devastating legal and economic consequences,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1286. “Our legislation would boost funding for organizations that provide lower-income Coloradans with legal resources and representation, giving them the tools to best represent their needs in the criminal justice system. Everyone deserves a fair fight, regardless of their income.” HB24-1286 would create the Equal Justice Fund Authority and the Equal Justice Fund to provide financial support to numerous organizations that provide pro bono or low-cost legal services to low-income Coloradans. The bill would add a $20 fee to appeal and civil court filings to fund the Equal Justice Fund Authority. This bill would increase funding for the Equal Justice Fund by $1.1 million in FY 2024-2025 and $2.2 million every year after. The bill passed by a vote of 6-5. Currently, district attorneys can use an assessment tool to identify individuals who are eligible to be diverted away from the juvenile or criminal justice system and into appropriate services. SB24-006 expands eligibility and diversion services for individuals to include juveniles and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with behavioral health issues. SB24-006, also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, passed by a vote of 10-0. “People with behavioral health issues and intellectual disabilities often become involved in the criminal justice system, and they deserve to be considered for diversion programs that foster rehabilitation outside of jails and prisons,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB24-006. “Our legislation would prohibit district attorneys from denying participation in a diversion program based on mental health, behavioral health, or disability, creating a more fair criminal justice system.” Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL ADVANCES Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would, for the first time, allow state employees to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits DENVER, CO — Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) today released the following statement after HB20-1153, the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act, passed the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs by a vote of 6-3: “This is a great step forward for the tens of thousands of hardworking Colorado state employees who deserve the essential right to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits. This bill is long overdue and will foster important partnerships between the state and front line state employees to improve state services. “House Democrats are committed to improving pay and benefits for our state employees, and this legislation will help us achieve this important goal. It will help us fill the hundreds of state positions that are currently vacant while improving retention rates. I will always fight for our state employees, and I’m pleased to see this bill move forward.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues and improve state services by fostering new partnerships between frontline workers and the state. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Previous Next

On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws Take Effect to Strengthen Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence DENVER, CO - On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 20 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1168. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” "Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity." “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep survivors safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows survivors to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep survivors housed. This is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” "Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking often face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman, sponsor of HB25-1168. "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start." Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease not to be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector, with exemptions, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination. To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. SB25-116 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, ensures that proceedings involving spousal support consider a spouse’s history of domestic violence. It also broadens disclosure requirements related to restraining and protection orders. “Survivors who make the courageous decision to leave their abusive spouse often face complex legal systems and serious financial burdens,” said Sen. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB25-116. “No survivor should be forced to pay spousal support to the person who harmed them. This law brings much-needed clarity and ensures that courts have the full context to make fair and just decisions..” “As a survivor, I am proud that this legislation is now in effect to ensure that courts can make an informed decision and better support survivors who are leaving their abusers,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB25-116. “Leaving an abusive partner is one of the most dangerous things a survivor of domestic violence can do, and it is important that the justice system can access the reported history of abuse during divorce and separation proceedings. By increasing the disclosure window and including a variety of abusive actions that must be considered during a case involving spousal support, we can lift up survivors and their stories during the scariest time of their lives.” Under current law, courts consider a list of relevant factors when determining spousal support. This new law expands that list to include whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior against the other spouse. The law also extends the disclosure window for prior restraining or protection orders from two years to five, ensuring judges have access to a more complete history of abuse during divorce or separation proceedings. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2021 SCHOOL FUNDING BILL SIGNED INTO LAW Law ensures school districts do not experience significant funding reductions due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases DENVER, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan to protect school district funding that otherwise would have been reduced due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases. “The legislature is doing everything we can to put students, teachers, and parents first as we recover from this pandemic and work to build back stronger,” said JBC Vice-Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This funding boost protects schools across our state from catastrophic budget cuts at the worst possible time. I’m proud of how we brought together stakeholders from across the education community to craft this bipartisan solution.” “Our students and educators were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, and I’m proud that we’re doing right by them today,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “Building back stronger means making sizable investments in education and working to give our schools the funding they need to get back on track and start bridging the COVID education gap.” SB21-053 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan, would buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $121 million and ensure that schools do not face consequential funding reductions due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases. In addition, the bill allocates an additional $85 million to districts in need, including $25 million to rural schools. Under the bill, all school districts will see their state share of total program funding restored to within two percent of what the legislature adopted in the 2020 School Finance Act. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11 in the House. Previous Next

Governor Polis signed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Mary Young, that will boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. < Back March 11, 2023 Bill to Address Teacher Shortage Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis signed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Mary Young, that will boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. “With our bill that Governor Polis signed into law, we’re taking important steps to address Colorado’s dire teacher shortage,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “The number one determining factor to a student's success is the teacher in the classroom. This law works to get more high quality teachers in classrooms by streamlining the process for teachers who are licensed in another state to obtain a teaching license in Colorado. I’m proud to support educators, families and most importantly–students.” “Colorado’s teacher shortage is affecting every school district in the state, and our law works to address educator workforce shortages,” said Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Under this law, already licensed teachers from other states would have an easier time obtaining a Colorado teaching license, saving them money and getting them in classrooms faster. This is also good news for military spouses who relocate to Colorado because it removes barriers to entering the educator workforce.” HB23-1064 creates new pathways for out-of-state teachers to gain professional licensure in Colorado. The bill establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which would create an agreement between Colorado and ten other states where licensed teachers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a teacher’s license from one member state to another. This law is designed to increase the teacher workforce by easing the state-to-state licensure process and reducing barriers, so professionally licensed teachers can begin teaching in Colorado classrooms faster. HB23-1064 will be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state, and the compact was initiated by the Department of Defense with the Council of State Governments and National Council of Teacher Accreditation. Previous Next

The Defending Against DOGE Act sets aside $4 million to Musk-proof Colorado from federal actions that threaten our Colorado way of life < Back April 15, 2025 House Advances Bill to Protect Colorado Taxpayers DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Colorado taxpayers and critical state services from funding freezes and federal actions that threaten the Colorado way of life. The Colorado Defense Fund comes in the wake of recent adverse action by the Trump administration, including federal funding freezes, disruptions to essential services, and mass lay-offs. “This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans; it’s about standing up for Colorado and protecting our taxpayers from federal actions that threaten health care, early childhood education, water infrastructure and public safety,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans pay more in federal taxes than we receive back in federal funding. We deserve to have our federal dollars working for us in Colorado – not frozen by unelected billionaires in Washington.” “We’re taking steps now to protect our state so Coloradans can receive the federal programming and services they rely on and pay for,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “When the federal government freezes funding, Colorado taxpayers do not see that return on their investment. Federal funding helps fix our roads and improve access to rural health care, and Colorado needs the federal government to uphold its end of the agreement. This bill fights back against federal overreach and puts Coloradans first.” The Colorado Defense Fund ( HB25-1321 ) would set aside $4 million to protect our state’s interests from federal efforts to freeze funding, halt contracts, or otherwise disrupt essential services for Coloradans. Coloradans pay more in federal taxes than our state receives back in federal funding, making federal funding freezes even more painful for our taxpayers. The legislation stands up for Colorado, protects Colorado taxpayers’ return on investment, and minimizes the impact of volatile federal actions on our economy and the Colorado way of life. Under the bill, the governor could use funds to respond to federal action. This includes working to mitigate the impacts of disruptions in federal funding and responding to legal proceedings, inquiries, hearings and investigations initiated or threatened by the federal government. These funds could also be used to defend or protect state officers and employees acting in their official role. In January, the Trump administration, through the recommendation of Elon Musk’s DOGE, froze more than $570 million in federal funding to Colorado. In response, Colorado joined a 22-state lawsuit to restore federal funding. While most of the funding has been restored through a federal judge, more than $69 million in public safety grants are still being withheld by the federal government. Colorado’s ability to deliver on essential government services relies on $13.9 billion in federal funding. Sweeping federal action has caused uncertainty and disruption for Colorado. For example, the federal government recently revoked more than $250 million in federal public and behavioral health care funding and $25.6 million already allocated to address drought in the Colorado River Basin has been paused. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: HOUSE, SENATE UNVEIL CHILD MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES PROGRAM DENVER, CO – The House introduced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) to expand evidence-based behavioral health programs for young children experiencing chronic stress or trauma. Co-sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton (R-Cheyenne Wells) and Senator Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Logan), this bill invests $2 million of one-time pandemic relief funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for our youngest Coloradans. “Stressful and traumatic conditions take a major toll on young children and can negatively impact long-term behavioral health and brain functioning,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “With this once-in-a-generation funding, we’re improving our kids’ behavioral health outcomes by investing in early intervention and home-based prevention tailored towards young children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” “Over the past several years, the pandemic has added new and increased stress to Coloradans’ lives, including young children,” said Sen. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen. “It’s essential that we provide robust behavioral health opportunities for Colorado’s kids. By investing in the mental health and well-being of our youngest Coloradans today, we’re supporting their brighter tomorrows.” HB22-1369 is one in a series of bills to invest millions in our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children under the age of six-years-old experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. Neurobiological research confirms that stressful experiences early in life can have destructive impacts on the brain, while nurturing relationships between children and caregivers provide a protective buffer from stress. The impacts of the pandemic exacerbated long-standing behavioral health challenges and made everyday life more difficult for Coloradans. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. The new Department of Early Childhood will work with non-profit behavioral health care organizations to implement this program. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back April 18, 2024 Bill to Save Older Coloradans Money, Make Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption Portable Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 11-0. “Seniors typically live on a fixed income, making them especially vulnerable to property tax increases as they also juggle other rising costs,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “The Senior Homestead Exemption is a useful tool to help Colorado seniors save money on property taxes, but current law only allows these property tax exemptions for long-term primary residences. Our legislation would make this property tax exemption portable so seniors can apply it to their new residence, so they can make housing choices that work best for their well-being and open up housing opportunities for new families looking for larger homes.” “Aging Coloradans should be able to move without risking their housing security and losing eligibility for senior property tax exemptions,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Downsizing or moving into a single-level home is often necessary for seniors to accommodate their changing needs. This important legislation would allow Colorado seniors to continue to benefit from senior property tax exemptions if they move, saving them money while allowing them to choose housing that best fits their needs.” SB24-111 would create a new subclass of property called "qualified-senior primary residence real property" for an individual that has previously qualified for a senior homestead exemption but has moved to a new home. For this new subclass of property—qualified-senior primary residence real property—the bill sets the assessed value of the property as the actual value minus 50 percent of the first $200,000 of that actual value, which is consistent with the relief provided under the current senior homestead exemption. This bill helps provide financial sustainability and housing security to seniors who no longer qualify for the senior homestead exemption because they moved residences. In a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless report, Colorado was ranked first for housing instability for older adults. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2019 HOUSE PASSES LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL Bill named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Mar. 4) – The House gave final approval today to the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. This life-saving bill would provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The bill has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. “My son Alex lit up rooms and was beloved. One of the reasons I ran for office was so I could tell all of you about Alex and about other victims and families of gun violence,” said Rep. Sullivan. “Today, the House stood up and did the right thing. This bill will give law enforcement and families the tools that they need to stop tragedies from constantly happening and save lives. ” Rep. Sullivan’s son, Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate in the House. “We have a choice between maintaining the status quo or putting forward meaningful change that can truly save a life and that’s an easy choice for me,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, “This carefully crafted bill has the support of the vast majority of Coloradans and will help save the lives of law enforcement and members of our communities.” HB19-1177 will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe. Through this bill, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior or is at significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for a full ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for up to 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during that time period. The bill, which was also introduced during the 2018 legislative session and passed the House with bipartisan support, is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty New Year’s Eve in 2017 by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis. Law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s Sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, testified at a Feb. 21 House hearing on the bill. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter in support of the legislation. Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh explained to the committee during the hearing how the language in the bill is legal under the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Testimony in support of the bill included survivors and their families as well as gun owners and members of law enforcement. Fourteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. Colorado lost over 1,100 people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their ERPO legislation was enacted. The bill was approved on a vote of 38-25 and now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back June 16, 2022 GOVERNOR POLIS, BLACK DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS OF COLORADO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH DENVER — Juneteenth celebrations will take place across Colorado in the coming days and today Governor Polis and the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado commemorated this historic event and raised the Juneteenth flag at the State Capitol. “We are building a Colorado for All and Colorado is made stronger by the diversity of our people. It’s our shared responsibility to foster and protect that strength. Juneteenth is a celebration of joy and one of many shining examples of what a Colorado for All looks like,” said Gov. Polis. “Juneteenth is a commemoration of the end of slavery and honors freedom for all of us, and for the first time in Colorado history, we will celebrate this momentous day as an official state holiday,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “I was incredibly proud of the work we did this session to ensure Colorado properly recognizes Juneteenth, and know that it will help educate all Coloradans about the horrors of slavery, make space to celebrate the Black community, and lift up our ongoing work to make sure we don’t forget our past.” “This Emancipation Day reminds us of the atrocities our ancestors endured and how we must never give up hope in uncertain times,” said Rep. Herod, Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, D-Denver . “Juneteenth uplifts the voices of the Black community and showcases our perseverance. I’m proud to recognize Juneteenth as Colorado’s 11th state holiday so it can finally receive all the formal celebration and reflection it deserves.” “Juneteenth is more than just a federal holiday we recognize in historical Black communities like Five Points where we march, eat good food and listen to good music,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver. “Celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday means Colorado not only recognizes that Black people are free, but that all people are free. It is a recognition that we not only desire for some Coloradans to prosper, but for all to prosper, and for all Coloradans, regardless of race or background, to earn a living wage, have an affordable place to call home, and get the equitable access to health care and education people need to move forward and thrive.” This May at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Gov. Polis signed a new law officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday and was joined by bill sponsors Rep. Leslie Herod, Sen. James Coleman, Sen. Janet Buckner, members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, President of Colorado WINS Skip Miller, President of Juneteenth Music Festival Norman Harris, Cleo Parker Robinson, and community members. Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday last year by the U.S. Congress and President Joe Biden. Legislation to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in Colorado was first introduced this February and passed the legislature with bipartisan support. This new law was led by Senator Janet Buckner, Senator James Coleman and Representative Leslie Herod. State offices will be closed Monday June, 20, 2022 in observance of the holiday. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2023 House Dems Pass Bills to Reduce Premiums and Lower Drug Costs DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation that will save Coloradans money on health insurance premiums for Colorado Option plans and make prescription drugs more affordable. “We’re building on the success of the Colorado Option to continue to drive down health care premiums and make it easier to find high value plans on the exchange,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1224 .” The Colorado Option is helping Colorado families and businesses keep more of their hard-earned money and has increased access to high quality health care, especially for lower income people who have disproportionately faced barriers to getting the care they need.” “We’ve made bold progress to drive down the cost of health care and create new options for consumers,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1224 . “The legislation we passed today ensures that excessive profits and administrative costs won’t be passed down to consumers while also improving the rate review process to ensure that these plans actually reduce premiums for consumers.” HB23-1224 , which passed by a vote of 8-1, will lower insurance premiums and make it easier for consumers to shop for high value standardized health plans that work for them and their families. The updates to the Colorado Option strengthen the Division of Insurance’s (DOI) ability to hold carriers accountable for the premium rate reduction requirements on Colorado Option Standardized Plans by granting the DOI to: Limit factors such as as excessive profit and administrative expenses; Structure the public hearings process efficiently while ensuring all parties have the opportunity to participate; Help consumers easily find and compare plans that could lower their out-of-pocket costs. “Colorado is leading the nation with innovative ways to save people money on prescription drugs and lower the cost of health care,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1225 . "We established the Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2021 to ensure that consumers can afford the highest cost drugs. Now, we’re expanding these cost saving measures to reduce out-of-pocket prices for more medications by increasing the board’s efficacy and saving Coloradans more money on their essential prescriptions.” “Coloradans should never have to ration life-saving prescription drugs due to price gouging from big pharmaceutical companies,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1225 . “This legislation will limit out-of-pocket costs for more life-saving prescriptions and help more Coloradans avoid the difficult decision of paying for the medication they need and other necessities.” HB23-1225 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper price limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation introduced today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It removes the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2022 MCLACHLAN BILL SUPPORTS FOSTER YOUTH DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today unanimously passed legislation that will require higher education institutions in Colorado to pay for the tuition of foster youth in the state. “Colorado is raising thousands of youth in our foster care system, and it’s only right that we defray the cost of their degrees,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We need to do everything we can to set up our youth to thrive and leave no one behind, and that’s what this bill does. SB22-008 will save students money on their higher education degrees and make it easier for foster youth to attend a higher education institution.” SB22-008 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Hugh McKean, would require higher education institutions to provide foster youth with financial assistance for the balance of their total cost of attending a higher education institution. It also establishes the foster care navigation office to help students select institutions and programs and assist students in completing their applications. Previous Next